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Collectif Pick of the Sale!
With the January sale still in full swing and payday drawing close, it’s the perfect time to try a few pieces and save so much money! There’s still quite a lot to choose from so if you’re on a budget, or just fancy a bargain, have a look at the sales area to see what you can snag!
I usually go for dresses but these separates are such a great combo and perfect to brighten up grey days.
I’d had my eye on this yellow Maya polo top for a while and I’m so glad I have it now as it’s a great little knit and perfect for layering and then going into Spring with its 3/4 length sleeves. The buttons on the front are faux and just for decoration as they don’t open, but it adds interest to the top. It has plenty of stretch and it fits really well. There’s a v shape to the pattern on the front which you can still see when tucked in and adds a nice extra detail.
I love a really bright pop of colour (bet you couldn’t tell that!) so I paired it with the Jasmine Rainbow Wave skirt. The skirt has obligatory pockets (yay!) and the coolest of designs with its curvy colours whirling around the skirt. What’s not to love?! I added a petticoat in the photos above as it’s a full swing and has plenty of room for one underneath but in this photo, I removed the underskirt to show you there’s still a nice shape with the Jasmine just on its own.
I mixed and matched a few pieces to build a small winter sale capsule wardrobe and swapped out the polo top for the warmer Machi Wave jumper.
I sized up in the jumper but needn’t have, it’s a great fit and true to size. The custom design flows horizontally on the jumper which makes a great clash of colours with the vertical waves of the skirt – I do love a good clash!
This is a great buy and the jumper will go well with so many other things in my wardrobe so it’s a new staple!
Next up is the Atomic Harlequin Caterina Pencil Dress.
As a pattern, I absolutely adore anything harlequin although I wasn’t sure about the muted colours in this one when I first saw it launch. However, sale time is a great excuse to try things out and I’m so glad I did as the pattern is so pretty! I really love the variety of soft greens and the black and white breaks it up perfectly.
I’ve always been a fan of the shirt style Caterina and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. The buttons open at the front (no zip on this one) and it comes with a matching notched belt. It’s true to size and has some stretch in the fabric. To make it winter-friendly, I added the Kimberley Bolero (which is actually a cardigan) and this little number definitely keeps you nice and toasty. It’s super soft too and features delicate domed buttons to the front. I always size up in cardigans and did with this one too which was a perfect snuggly fit. The length is cropped to accentuate the waist and looks great on anything cinched in or high waist jeans.
All shirt styles need a good v shaped cardigan to go over for added warmth and the Kimberley fits the bill perfectly. I hope these return in more colours as I already have a few, but some brights would be amazing.
On to a dress I wouldn’t normally choose because it’s a shortie – and yes, I know that sounds odd coming from someone who’s petite! I don’t usually go for shorter lengths but the pattern on this one is super sweet with its stardust stripes and again, I wouldn’t usually go for something in reds and pinks as they clash with my hair – but I’m actually enjoying the clash and whenever I wear red, I’m always reminded I should wear more of it instead of shying away!
The Gosia Starburst Stripes Dress has a square neck and the cutest puffed and elasticated sleeves.
The skirt is full and you could fit a petticoat underneath (I’m not wearing one) but it would need to be a shorter one. There’s a zip to the back and I added a belt to cinch my waist in (the belt doesn’t come with the dress, this is from one of my other Collectif frocks). The fit is great and true to size and it even has side pockets. It’s hitting just below my knee but will be shorter on taller girls so bear that in mind.
I also tried my Kimberley on top and the sleeves fit well under it. Overall, I really like this style and it totally surprised me!
Now last but by very no means least (as it’s my favourite of them all), it’s the Blanche Chestnut Check pencil dress and I love everything about this dress!
It has a Dolores style top and the sleeves are elasticated to sit on or off the shoulders and feature signature decorative buttons. The wide belt with a circular buckle is a really nice alternative to the usual shape too.
The check is a beautiful russet combination of oranges and browns and the accents like the awesome side pockets (yes, pockets!) are edged in a deep brown. The fit is brilliant and has a centre back zip – though be warned, there is zero stretch to this fabric so if you’re in between sizes on the waist, go up a size! I’ll be dressing this one up and down throughout the season and highly recommend it. If you haven’t tried a pencil dress before – try this one! I also popped my Kimberley cardi over it to see how it fits over the sleeves and it works a treat! It looks great with the sweetheart of the Blanche peeking through and most importantly, is keeping me glamorous but WARM!
So which were your favourites, or do you have a favourite I didn’t pick? I hope you enjoyed my sale highlights and I’ll see you again soon 🙂 xx
Acknowledgements:
All items gifted by Collectif Clothing and the above is my own, honest, review of each item.Also wearing (items are my own):
An array of Splendette and Bow & Crossbones bangles
Earrings and necklaces by Collectif
Shoes by Lulu Hun and E5PYou May Also Like
How Star Will You Go Dress Review [Harkel Clothing]
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Nautical but Nice! Meri Top and Nancy Shorts [Collectif]
A really casual outfit today as the sun’s out, so the legs are out too! I really love nautical looks which work super well with my hair (or any hair to be fair, I just really like when my bonce matches with my outfit hehe). So I’ve combined the Meri Nautical Knitted Top and Nancy Nautical Shorts for that classic sailing-inspired vibe of the 50s.
The Meri top is such a gem of a piece this season! So easy to wear and super comfortable. It’s a light knitted top with red, black and white horizontal stripes and features a gorgeous bateau neckline which is just fabulous.
There are delicately capped sleeves and these can sit on or slightly off the shoulders, however you prefer to wear it. I usually wear one on, one off to a jaunty angle! It has a knitted rib to the bottom so it can sit nicely over clothes to hip level or tucks in well too, which is how I’ve worn it.
The shorts are oozing maritime mid-century style! They’re so fun with rows of white buttons featuring red anchors.
There’s also a matching button at the back. The shorts fasten with a concealed zip at the back and the button fastens over. Such a cute detail!
There are wide, rounded, pockets to the front of the shorts, belt loops (I’ve added a belt to them in keeping with the nautical theme) and turn ups to the hems.
They’re so comfy to wear and I wasn’t sure about sizing so I tried sizing up as sometimes the waistbands on Collectif bottoms don’t stretch at all. Not the case with the Nancy Shorts though! I can get away with the bigger size as I’ve pulled the waist in with my belt, but they’re true to size and you don’t need to size up at all. They’re made from stretch cotton which has plenty of movement in them, so buy your normal size.
I just love this set together, such an easy way to get that classic nautical look with very little effort. The top is available still in all sizes (6-22) and the shorts are available in limited sizes on the Collectif website, both £35 each. There are extra sizes of the shorts available over at Rockamilly too.
For reference:
I’m 4’11” and wearing 3 1/4 inch heels. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif clothing and wearing a 6 top in the photos and a size up (8) in the shorts.Also wearing:
Hair Flowers: Collectif Lola and previous season too
Earrings and all Bangles: Splendette
Shoes: Joe Browns
Belt: Hell Bunny -
Mara Garden Stripes Dress Review [Collectif]
Hooray! The Big Sale at Collectif is well underway and we’re all rushing to put orders in – sometimes multiple times as there’s always that extra item you never noticed before but suddenly have to have! Maybe the beautiful Mara is one of those frocks you’ve been eyeballing for a while but weren’t too sure about? Well I can tell you it’s fabulous and you definitely need it! hehe.
I haven’t had a Mara before, though I almost bought the previous checked patterns which came out. The shirt style really appealed to me but it seemed like a lot of dress for my frame. When the green Garden Stripes version was launched, I hovered over the buy button for some time, pondering which size I would need as I’m aware the checked versions were sized smaller.
I took the plunge and decided I needed all those glorious green stripes in my life! The dress is so vibrant and I really love the pattern. I have a petticoat on underneath too for added poof and the fullness of the swing skirt is very swooshy which is excellent!
The dress can button right up to the neck and has a matching waist tie which I’ve worn as you’re meant to at the waist in the photo above, though I left the neck open as I like a more casual look sometimes with a necklace showing. However, I also really liked switching the waist tie to make a bow neck tie instead and adding my own belt too.
With long, cuffed, sleeves and a placket of concealed buttons to the front, this practical dress also has two side pockets which are super handy. I went with my normal size and luckily that was the right choice for me as a size up would have been far too big. There’s slight stretch in the fabric and the length on me is the same as a swing Caterina – which is lower calf and a bit longer than my other dresses, but I don’t really mind that.
So if you’ve been pondering this dress, I can confirm it’s brilliant – a really practical but cute piece which is lots of fun with the dramatic stripes and great sizing wise – get it in your basket! haha. It’s currently half off at £33.75 with code BS50 (which lasts until 11.59pm on the 17th) and it’s available in all sizes.Also wearing:
Lulu Hun Susan High Heels in green (previous season)
Adore Heart belt in red by Collectif Clothing (previous season)
Tiki earrings in green by Collectif ClothingAdditional information:
I’m 4’11” wearing 4 inch heels. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and that’s the size I’m wearing above.
The dress was bought via the fabulous Cherry Red Vintage -
Bright & Beautiful Demmi Deckchair Dress Review [Collectif]
As Summer is drawing to a close, I’m making full use of my sale buys and enjoying the last of the sunshine in this very sweet little dress, the Demmi Deckchair, part of the Bright & Beautiful range from Collectif.
It’s super lightweight and made from rayon which is perfect for warm days. I’ve previously spoken about its counterpart with the Astrid in this print, but this shorter version is really lovely too and great to have as a more casual option.
As well as the amazing bright stripes, this dress has a gorgeous, sweetheart, neckline and adjustable straps which are great to ensure a good fit for everyone. The top part is fitted and has pretty wooden buttons running down the centre to the waist. From there, the skirt billows out with darts finishing at hip height. I really like how full the skirt part feels along with the fitted bodice. There’s also an invisible side zip to get in and out which is super handy and discreet.
The fit is great for me. I love that it’s a mini dress version – which actually works as just a normal length dress for me! It’s a wonderful length for petites and sits just above my knee (which to be honest, doesn’t usually get seen much now!). It will obviously sit shorter for those of average height and taller. There’s no stretch in the fabric so if you’re busty, you may want to size up and also if your widest part is on the waist. I found it true to size for me and I’m really happy with how it fits.
As the Collectif sale is coming to an end, this dress is now out of stock on the main site, however, you can still pick it up in selected sizes for just £22 at SilkFred which includes free delivery too – bargain!
Also wearing:
Hair flowers: Miss Bella’s Blooms and Collectif
Sunglasses and Necklace: Collectif
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Earrings: Splendette
Shoes: old favourites from E5PFor reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and I’m wearing a size 6 in this Bright & Beautiful range. I’m 4’11” tall wearing 4 inch heels. -
Darcie Rainbow Stripe Jumpsuit Review [Collectif x Modcloth]
As you may have seen from my previous post, I have this gorgeous stripe already with the Jill dress (see here) but couldn’t resist the jumpsuit too which I picked up in the 50% off sale. With its fabulous print over wide legged trousers, scoop neck, and those pockets! The pockets are lovely and deep with two curves on either side. I love stuffing my hands in so these are great! It’s so comfortable to wear too.
Shoving a hand in my pockets since 1992 Now, if you’re a taller gal, don’t expect the jumpsuit to look the same on you. It’s actually meant to be a cropped culotte style, but as I’m petite, they fit me like a normal length would – bonus for me and all my other petite gals! I like it either way though, as a cropped length on taller gals, and full length on those with shorter statures.
Even though I’m petite, I fell like a Goliath in this jumpsuit (it’s ok, I know I’m fooling myself!), it does the trick of elongating legs – for which I am very grateful obviously ha.
Ooooo I feel tall! There’s a centre back zip so it’s an easy one to get on and off and has a wide, bright yellow, buckled belt which compliments it perfectly – I love pairing this pattern with yellow and I’ll probably use this belt for the Jill instead of the smaller one it came with.
The neckline is really smooth and fits well and has wide shoulder straps. I might slip my yellow Chrissie jumper on underneath it when it gets a bit cooler to take me into Autumn.
The hips are fitted and the legs then flare out which gives such a retro look, I absolutely love it! I ordered my normal size (Modcloth and Collectif have the same sizing up until size 18 when you should follow the Modcloth specific chart) and it was absolutely true to size for me.
Available in all sizes at the time of writing, the Collectif X Modcloth Darcie Jumpsuit is £77 and such a great addition to any wardrobe. I really hope Darcie returns next year as she’s such a fab style and so fun to wear!
Also wearing:
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Hair flower: Miss Bellas Blooms
Shoes: Lulu Hun (also in the sale currently)
Sunnies: CollectifFor reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and 4’11” tall (or short, depending on how you look at things). I’m wearing a wedge heel which has a heel height of 2.75”. -
Jill Rainbow Stripe Dress Review [Collectif X Modcloth]
Another day, another gloriously rainbow striped piece from the sunshine filled array of gorgeousness over at Collectif! I’ve been keeping a close eye out for the new ModCloth collaboration pieces to drop since I saw them go live at ModCloth a few weeks ago. My patience paid off when they dropped last week and I snapped up the Jill dress sharpish.
I love the shape of the Jill design – a flattering sweetheart shape to the neckline, wide pin tucked straps, a pleated skirt and THAT amazing print!
I do have a confession though – I usually steer clear of a Jill as I find the straps to be too long for me. But as soon as I saw the rainbow stripes I was ALL IN, and I’m actually super pleased I took the leap. The straps are a touch long for my body but not nearly as much as I’d expected. I had planned to pop some body tape on my shoulders to hold them in place but to my delight, I didn’t need that at all and they stayed firmly where they were meant to. So the straps are definitely workable and not to be avoided going forward (which is wonderful news as I’ve always adored the cut of this dress and there are many more Jill dresses which I’m going to need now!). I think the ModCloth version is sized a little smaller than the Mainline range which has worked in my favour.
I really like the tailored pleats on the flared skirt which make a nice change from a full circle. It’s such a classic shape and very pretty. And although it’s not a full circle, there is still plenty of room for a good swish about.
The Jill is meant to fall on the knee but I’m itty bitty so it falls below mine (which I prefer). My knees don’t often get seen but swishing around I dared to bare the hint of a knee – what a devil! haha
There’s a centre back zip for getting in and out of the dress easily and unfortunately no pockets but maybe these will appear in time (pocket lovers, I know you feel me). Made from 97% cotton, the dress is light enough for summer but the fabric isn’t at all see through, so although it’s a white dress with a diagonal print, there are no embarrassing moments stood in front of light sources! The fabric is great quality and there’s a little stretch in it too.
There’s also a matching yellow belt (sans holes but it does have belt loops and a stopper). I really like that the yellow has been picked out from the dress to accent with the belt – not least because yellow is my favourite colour but also because it’s so darned cheery! I also picked out the yellow with my necklace and hair flower, and chose to compliment the rainbow theme matching the green and yellow stripes of the dress with my heels and earrings. Plus, bangles (because we know you can never have too many of those!).
Fit wise, if you’re plus sized, be sure to check the ModCloth sizing chart (which can be found on the last pic for the dress on the website). The new ModCloth range is sizing a little differently than last year so check your measurements against the new charts. For the rest of the sizes, it’s pretty standard and I bought my normal size which fits fine for me, but as I mentioned above, does feel smaller than the Mainline sizing (which I’d tried on previously). So if you usually size down for a Jill, don’t with this one as it’s pretty true to size.
Available in ModCloth sizes 4-30, this one is priced at £93 as it’s a collaboration piece and there is another Modcloth collab Jill with a sweet lemon print which dropped at the same time (see here). If that’s a little out of budget, there are non collab Jills in other prints (here) which are priced at £55 and an array of other joyful rainbow goodies to choose from if the dress isn’t for you (here). I have my eye on a few more! Which will you go for?
For reference:
I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif Clothing and 4’11” tall (small) with 4 inch heels on here.
I’m also wearing:
Hair flower: Miss Bella’s Blooms
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Necklace: Thrifted
Earrings: Collectif -
Adalaide Yacht Stripe Swing Dress [Collectif X Modcloth]
I adore a striped dress (as you know), but even more so when it has a nautical nod. This piece by Collectif is from their collaboration collection with Modcloth.
It’s absolutely perfect for Summer and the heat wave we’ve been having of late. Made from viscose it’s super light and flowy. I felt so cool in it, despite the temperatures soaring!
It has a bold, bespoke, yacht stripe pattern in red, white and a slim line of blue too (which I hadn’t previously noticed in the pic before but upon arrival was delighted to see). To the front, there’s a fitted bodice with sweet peter pan collar and keyhole detail. This works really well together and looks effortlessly chic.
Not only that, but this dress has side seam pockets! (hand resting nicely in one in the pic above). Woohoo! We all love a good pocket, I know. It also comes with a circular belt (no holes unfortunately) and has a centre back zip.
The dress flows out from the waist but isn’t a full or half skirt. It does blow beautifully in a breeze however, and has the perfect amount of swoosh for walking around on sunny days. Who would want a full skirt on a yacht, anyway?! hehe.
This dress has a lovely, floaty shape and feel because of the fabric I chose my normal size (6) in this dress and it fits perfectly. As with all Modcloth collab items, the sizing is the same as Collectif from size 6-16. However, if you’re size 18 or above, follow the specific Modcloth size chart as it then differs slightly (found on the Collectif site, here).
The Adalaide Yacht Swing Dress is available in sizes 4-30 (which is amazing; I love how inclusive those sizes are at both ends) and costs £77. This elegant new design is also available in plain navy (here) has also been released on the mainline collection in a different striped colour way for £55 (see here).
Pockets are everything <3 Also wearing:
Shoes: Lulu Hun (see previous review, here)
Hairpiece: Miss Bella’s Blooms
Bangles and Earrings: SplendetteFor reference:
I’m 4’11”, wearing 6cm heels and I’m a standard Collectif size 6.
For full transparency, this item was gifted to me but I only ever write honest reviews, all based on my own thoughts.
